Bernard announced two years ago that the once-beloved comedian drugged and raped her when she guest-starred on "The Cosby Show" during its eighth and final season.

Lili Bernard became an undeniable presence in the courthouse hallways: dressed head-to-toe in white, her Afro rising toward the ceiling, clutching a small vase filled with pink gladiolus.

The alleged victim of Bill Cosby also carried an unspoken message: defiance.

"Gladiolus is the Latin diminutive for sword," Bernard explained. "So it literally means little sword. The pink is the feminine part."

Bernard announced two years ago that the once-beloved comedian drugged and raped her when she guest-starred on "The Cosby Show" during its eighth and final season. She appeared at the suburban Philadelphia courthouse to offer support for fellow Cosby accuser — and friend — Andrea Constand at the trial of the man long revered as America's dad.

"I was born in Cuba," explained Bernard. "In Cuba, the gladiolus flowers are a symbol of peaceful protest and resilience among activist women."

Lili Bernard stands outside the Montgomery County Courthouse with a bouquet of pink gladiolus.

(Bob Stewart)

For Bernard and Constand, the blooms are also a symbol of friendship and encouragement.

"I had never ever heard of Andrea Constand prior to November 2014," said Bernard. "I had no idea there was any criminal charges or … civil suit against Bill Cosby because I was busy giving birth to six children in a 10-year period."

Once she became aware of the former Temple University sports director and the familiar allegations, Bernard sent Constand a Facebook friend request — months before going public with her own tale.

"We've spent time together in person in California," Bernard explained. "She came with her niece and we spent time with my children together and her playing basketball and just doing fun things. Bill Cosby was never part of our conversation."

Their online conversations continued as the pair grew closer. Constand often comments on their posts without words.

"I call her an emoji mama because she likes to put hearts and fist bumps" in the comments, Bernard said.

The flowers provide an unusually bright sight in a courthouse setting of neoclassical stone, off-white walls, and beige marble wainscoting. And they stand in contrast to the dark testimony inside the courtroom that preceded jury deliberations.

Since going public, Bernard has become accustomed to the limelight. It has advantages, like getting the message out about sexual assault. But the drawbacks are the social media attacks and threats that have led her to live in fear.

Andrea Constand (pictured) and Bernard have become close friends.

(POOL/REUTERS)

The gutsy accuser couldn't stay for the verdict: She had to fly home and tend to her children. Before leaving, she left the gladiolus with a friend and gave her a task.

"I want to get these flowers to Andrea," she said.

Her friend followed through the next day, handing them off to a friend of Constand.